The Wales captain, who will miss this summer's tour of South Africa through injury, was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals in 2011.

The 25-year-old told Sky Sports News: "Attentions turned to the World Cup as soon as the Lions tour finished to be honest, as in rugby we work in two-year cycles really so it goes Lions tour, World Cup and so on at the very top level.

"In the front of your mind you want to do well for your club and earn as many international caps as you can but in the back of your mind you do also want to reach the World Cup.

"This season I don't think players will be thinking about it too much, they'll be probably looking forward to a bit of a break then getting a full pre-season. When you start the new campaign that's when your attentions start to turn towards the World Cup."

Wales will face England and Australia in their World Cup group, as well as an Oceania qualifier and a playoff winner that are yet to be determined.